Notary Public

What Types of Documents Need to Be Notarized?

Certain affidavits, deeds and powers of attorney may not be legally enforceable without notarization. Documents are notarized to protect against fraud. The notary acts as an impartial witness to the signing of legally binding documents. The notary ensures that the signer is actually the person named on the document and that they have not been forced to sign against their will. Documents that create a legally binding agreement usually need to be notarized, although this can vary according to local laws

Will, Deeds and Trusts

Documents which transfer tangible physical assets from one person to another should be notarized. This includes wills, which deal with the distribution of a person’s property and possessions including money after death; deeds, which transfer ownership of real property between living people, and trusts, which set aside money to be used in a particular way.

Medical documents

Documents regarding what types of medical treatment a person wishes to request or deny include what are commonly known as ‘living wills.’ These documents, more properly called health care declarations, give detailed instructions regarding the medical care wishes of a person should he become incapacitated by illness or injury. These documents need to be notarized to prevent disputes and ensure that doctors will be allowed to comply with the patient’s wishes.

What Do You Need to Have Something Notarized?

Photo Identification

Bring with you at least one form of photo identification, such as your state issued driver’s license or U.S. passport, when getting something notarized. The notary public has to verify your identity to ensure that you are, in fact, who you say you are.

Documents

Bring with you the documents that require notarization. Read the document carefully before you meet with the notary. Some documents require you to complete them in front of the notary, especially any signature portion of the document. In other documents, you might be able to complete the majority of the document at home and simply leave the signature.